An investigation has been launched after a new freight ship for the Isles of Scilly, which only began service last month, crashed into boats moored in Penzance harbour.

The 842-ton ship collided with a yacht and trawler in the enclosed harbour area on Saturday evening.

No one was injured in the collision and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The company which runs the ship said it had launched a full investigation.

Last month, the Norwegian-built Mali Rose replaced the veteran ship Gry Maritha, which had run between Penzance and the islands for 27 years. The Mali Rose is larger than the Gry Maritha, at 50 metres by 10 metres, and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said at the time that part of the crew's training involved handling the larger ship.

A spokeswoman for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group confirmed that the ship was involved in the incident.

The Isles of Scilly Steam Ship Company's freight ship Mali Rose

She said: “The Mali Rose was involved in a minor incident on Saturday, September 9, at 6.25pm when entering Penzance Harbour. It has been confirmed that no-one was hurt.

“At this stage, it is thought that the ship collided with a trawler and small yacht within the wet dock area of the harbour.

"The extent of the damage is in the process of being evaluated and the company’s marine team has commenced a full investigation of the incident."

A computer trace showing the location of the Isles of Scilly freight ship Mali Rose in Penzance harbour

No one from Penzance harbour has yet been available for comment.

Earlier in the summer, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group chief executive Rob Goldsmith spoke of his excitement at bringing the new ship into service and how it would help boost links with the islands. You can see a video of the interview below.